Chapter 89
Sydney didn’t bother arguing with Penelope’s nonsense. She turned to Dorothy and said, “Grandma, the incident has already been reported to the police. The investigation is still ongoing.”
“Don’t twist the facts!” Penelope’s voice rang with righteous indignation, like a mother protecting her child. “Timmy was hurt, and you were the only one there. If it wasn’t you, then who? It’s been days, and you haven’t even visited him. If that’s not a guilty conscience, what is?”
Sydney was honestly stunned by how warped her logic could be.
Dorothy fixed her with a sharp gaze. Her tone turned severe. “Sydney, is what your sister–in–law said true?”
“It’s true I was there, but I have no guilty consc—”
“That’s enough,” Dorothy cut in coldly. “Whatever disagreements you may have, the child is innocent. We have guests today, but I want you to reflect overnight in the family hall.”
The Hampton family hall served two purposes: religious prayers and enforcing discipline. It sat tucked away in a remote corner of the rear courtyard, cold in the winter and stifling in the summer.
It wasn’t as extreme as kneeling on gravel, like in the Sterling family, but spending a winter night there nearly guaranteed a fever.
Sydney glanced at Caleb. He didn’t so much as flinch. She smiled faintly and said, “Grandma, while it’s true I was the only one present, I—”
She had just started to explain when a change in the atmosphere near the staircase drew everyone’s
attention.
Julian had arrived.
The noble Sterling heir was instantly surrounded by a crowd of socialites and VIPs eager for his attention.
Tonight, his mood seemed unusually light. He didn’t brush them off like he normally would, even replying with a casual air.
He had brought a date.
Charlotte Lindstrom, his secretary, stood beside him in perfectly tailored dark evening gown that hugged her figure with understated elegance. Her hand rested lihtly on his arm.
‘So Charlotte is his girlfriend…‘ Sydney thought. ‘She is entle and graceful. She truly suits him.‘
Sydney looked away. Then she heard Dorothy greet him with a smile. “Didn’t expect you to show up personally,”
Julian’s tone was lightly teasing, yet pointed. “If I didn’t come, what would I do while my dear sister is being falsely accused?”
The room fell silent. Since their falling out, this was the first time Julian had publicly acknowledged Sydney as his sister. In the past, some had hinted or speculated but he had never confirmed anything.
Only Sydney lowered her gaze. Her expression gave nothing away, her eyes fixed on the floor as if she hadn’t heard him. She had stopped trying to guess what Julian was thinking long ago. With the Hampton family on one side and Victor on the other, she wasn’t foolish enough to make enemies now.
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Chapter 89
+15 BONUS
Dorothy gave her a subtle glance, urging her to smooth things over.
Sydney didn’t respond.
Left with no other choice, Dorothy shifted her gaze to Penelope, sharp and direct.
Clearly rattled, Penelope forced a smile. “Mr. Sterling, I was only speculating. I had no intention of accusing Sydney. After all, she’s my sister–in–law.”
Charlotte’s smile never faltered as she replied with gentle precision, “Ms. Monroe, if you knew it was only speculation, perhaps next time you shouldn’t speak so carelessly. If Sydney is wronged, her brother will naturally be very upset.”
Caleb quickly stepped in. “Ms. Lindstrom, we’re all family here. Penny just misspoke in the heat of the moment. Of course the Hampton family wouldn’t allow Sydney to be wronged.”
Charlotte smiled again, clearly speaking for Julian. “Then that’s for the best.”
She handed a gift to Dorothy. “Madam Hampton, wishing you blessings as vast as the sea, and a life as enduring as the mountains.”
“Thank you.” Dorothy accepted the gift with a smile, then turned to Julian. “It’s rare to see you with a young lady at your side. Is something good on the horizon?”
Charlotte blushed but said nothing. She waited for Julian to speak.
Since he’d entered the room, Sydney hadn’t looked at him once. She stood with perfect composure, but she didn’t belong. She felt like a placeholder.
Caleb had defended Penelope with every word. And the place beside Julian now belonged to someone else.
She didn’t even know where to rest her gaze. No matter how she looked at it, Sydney felt like the extra one.
